Should I Get a Breast Lift with Implants?
A breast lift alone can reposition and reshape sagging breasts, while a breast lift with implants can add volume for a fuller, more youthful look. If you want both elevation and a size increase, combining the two procedures in one surgery is often the most effective option.
When considering breast lift surgery, the decision of whether or not you should also receive implants will generally depend on your ultimate goals. By definition, a breast lift (also referred to as mastopexy) is a procedure performed to elevate and reshape the breasts to restore a more youthful contour and projection. In contrast, a breast augmentation is conducted to enhance the size of the breasts with implants. Although both operations can help rejuvenate the appearance of your breasts, mastopexy alone will not provide substantial volume enhancement, and breast augmentation by itself will not significantly lift the breasts.
For this reason, a breast lift with implants is generally necessary if you desire to elevate your breasts AND increase their size. In addition to added volume and improved projection, benefits of a breast lift combined with augmentation can also include enhanced shape and firmness, as well as longer-lasting outcomes. The two procedures can either be performed simultaneously or separately.
Signs You May Benefit from Combining These Procedures
Many women experience both sagging and volume loss due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or the natural aging process. If your breasts have lost their perkiness and appear deflated or less full than they once were, a breast lift alone may leave you satisfied with your breast position but still wishing for more fullness. Signs that combination surgery may be right for you include nipples that point downward, breast tissue that sits below the natural crease, and a desire for a rounder, more youthful shape in addition to increased size.
What to Expect During Combined Surgery
When performed together, a breast lift with augmentation typically takes longer than either procedure alone, often ranging from two to four hours depending on your surgeon’s approach and the extent of correction needed. Your surgeon can remove excess skin, reposition the nipple-areolar complex, and place the implant either above or below the chest muscle to achieve your desired outcome. While combining breast procedures means a single recovery period rather than two separate ones, it’s important to discuss the potential risks with your surgeon, as combination surgery can carry a slightly higher complexity than either procedure performed individually.
Recovery and Long-Term Results
Recovery from a breast lift with implants generally mirrors that of a standard breast lift, with most patients able to return to light daily activities within one to two weeks and resume more strenuous exercise after four to six weeks. In most cases, it’s recommended to wear a surgical or sports bra throughout the healing process. Swelling and firmness should gradually subside over the following months as your results settle into their final shape. While combination surgery can produce beautifully lifted, fuller breasts, maintaining your results long-term often depends on factors such as future pregnancies, weight stability, and the natural effects of aging and gravity over time.
Ultimately, if you are considering breast enhancement of any kind, it is recommended you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate procedure for your unique needs and/or goals.
Key Takeaways
- A breast lift alone can reposition and reshape sagging breasts but won’t add significant volume.
- A breast augmentation alone can increase breast size but won’t correct sagging or drooping.
- Combining a breast lift with implants can address both concerns at once, offering added volume, projection, and firmness.
- Combined surgery typically involves one consolidated recovery period.
- Consulting a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is essential to determine the best approach for your goals and anatomy.
For more information about breast lift with augmentation, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Braithwaite and Dr. Lorri Cobbins, our board-certified Chicago plastic surgeons, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.